JAKARTA - A stone scoreboard used in ancient spherical games, similar to football, has been found at the famous Maya Chichen Itza archaeological site on the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico, according to archaeologists last month.
The circular-shaped artifact with a diameter of more than 32 cm (12.6 inches) and a weight of 40 kg (88 pounds) features hieroplyphic writing surrounding two players standing next to a ball, according to a statement from the Mexican Institute of Anthropology and National History (INAH).
"On this Maya site, hierogliph writing is very rare, let alone complete text," said Francisco Perez, one of the archaeologists coordinating research at the Chichanchob complex, also known as Casa Colora, as reported by Reuters on May 5.
The stone, which is believed to be a scoreboard, dates back to 800 AD and 900 AD. Meanwhile, the game of football is a traditional practice of the people of Mesoamerika and is believed to have a ritual feel.
INAH researchers are now preparing to take high-resolution images from text and iconography for detailed studies, while preparing them for conservation.
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It is known, the Chichen Itza Complex, which is declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, is one of the main archaeological centers of Maya civilization on the Yucatan Peninsula. According to official data, about 2 million people visit the site every year.
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